Snap switch



April 24, 1956 w. A. LAUDER ETA; 2,743,331

SNAP SWITCH Filed Jan. 21, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 l April 24, 19.56 w. A. LAUDER ETAL 2,743,331

SNAP SWITCH Filed Jan. 21, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTUM` *mania* A? Home? d @can /7 wref/ya United States Patent O SNAP SWITCH Wallace A. Lauder, West Nyack, and Aldo F. Fasciano,

Flushing, N. Y., assgnors to The W. L. Maxson Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Yori:

Application January 21, 1955, Serial No. 483,334

12 Claims. (Cl. 20G-67) This invention relates to snap switches.

it is an object of the present invention to provide a snap switch of increased life.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a snap switch of a simplified construction which may be easily and readily assembled, resulting in a switch of relatively low cost.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a snap switch characterized by greater Contact pressure, quicker snap actions and reduced arcing.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a snap switch having a snap element so designed as to prevent the concentration of stress at a single point when flexed, whereby to greatly increase the life of the switch.

Other objects of the present invention are to provide a snap switchy bearing the above objects in mind which is of simple construction, inexpensive to manufacture, has a minimum number of parts, is easy to use and eicient in operation.

For other objects and a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view thereof showing one of the mounting blocks removed and the normally closed contacts;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side view shown partly in elevation and partly in section and showing actuation of the plunger to close the normally open contacts;

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 4 4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the spring member andthe cooperating end of one ofy the terminals;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view` takenl along the line 6-6 of Figure 2; and

Figure 7 is a detail of Fig. 2 showing contact along its upper edge of the spring member with one of the terminals. y

Referring now more in detail to the drawing, wherein similar reference numerals identify corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in Fig. l a pair of complementary mounting blocks indicated generally at 10 and 10a of phenol plastic or other suitable material having vertical sides adapted to be brought together to form unitary mounting blocks, the blocks being retained in assembled relationship by a ribbed pin 12, substantially as illustrated.

The interiors of blocks 10 and 10a are provided with registering portions forming channel-shaped grooves within which the opposite longitudinal edges of three terminals are positioned, the terminals being held therein in proper adjusted relationship to each other and in relation to the operable spring blade to be hereinafter described by projections formed in the interior of the ice blocks which are received within corresponding recesses provided inthe terminals. Since the blocks 10 and' 10a are identical in size and shape but of opposite hand, the detailed description of the interior of the same 'will be limited to block 10, it being noted that the block 10a is provided with vcomplementary portions.

The mountingA blocks 10, 10a are each provided' with a pair of longitudinally spaced, laterallyV aligned mount'- ing, openings l-tlb. adapted to receive therethrough' mountiing screws or bolts, not shown."

As shown in Fig. 2', the mounting block l10 on the inner vertical face thereof is. provided with a horizontal rectangular hollow portion 13 which is inclined down: wardly, as at 14, and which communicates with a second horizontal hollow portion 15, the horizontal portion 1'5 at the bottom thereof being formed with -av downwardly i inclined portion 16- which connects withV the downwardly inclined. portion 14. The block 10 at thev end of the horizontal hollow portion 15 remote from the inclined portion 14 is formed with a vertical groove 17 extending downwardly therefrom and which connects with an* inwardly inclined groovev 18 which extends through the bottom of the block, the block 10 intermediate the vertical groove 17 and the horizontal hollow portion 15 being formed with a semi-cylindrical projection 19. The hollow portions 13, 14 and 15 and the grooves 17 and 1S are of uniform depth. The block 16 on the inner face thereof at the other end of the horizontal bore 13 is provided with an L-shaped groove 20, the horizontal portion of which overlaps and communicates with the hollow portion 13. The lower end of the vertical portion of groove 20 extends downwardly and connects with an inwardly inclined groove 21 which extends through the bottom of theblock.

The block 19 on the inner face thereof is also provided with an inclined groove 22 which communicates with the horizontal portion 13 at the upper end thereof and at its lower end with a vertical groove 23 extending through the bottom of the block. The grooves Ztl, 21, 22 and 23 are of the same uniform depth as the grooves 17 and 18 previously referred to. The block lill is also provided with an L-shaped groove 24 of less depth than the groove 2) and horizontal portion 13, providing a shoulder 25 intermediate the groove 26 and horizontal portion 13 (Fig. 4). The block 10 is also provided with a trapezoidal shaped projection 26' intermediate the groove 24 and inclined groove 22 for a purpose which will hereinafter become clear.

The top Wall of the block It) above the horizontal portion 15 is formed with a hub 27 having a central bore 28 which communicates with an enlarged borel 29 through an inclined bore 30. The block 1t) is also provided with a bore 31 aligned vertically with and of the same diameter as the bore 28 which communicates at its lower endwith the horizontal hollowportion 15 and at its upper end with the enlarged bore 29 throughthe inclined bore 32.

The upper wall of the block 1G near the hub 27 is provided with a depending L-shaped recess 33.

As mentioned previously,fthe block 10a is' identical in size and shape with the block 10 and on the inner face thereof is provided with complementary grooves, hollow portions and bores registering with those previously described in connection with block 10, corresponding portions being designated by corresponding reference numerals followed by the letter a.

A` flat terminal member indicated generally at 34 is positioned intermediate the blocks 10, 10a with the opposite sides thereof being received within the registering grooves 20, 20a and 21, 21a, the lower end of the terminal 34 depending downwardly through the bottom of the blocks in a perforated portion 35 to which a conductor, not shown, will be connected. To prevent displacement of the terminal 34, the blocks and 10a are formed with bosses 36 and 36a, respectively, which are received with- Y in corresponding grooves 37 and 37a provided in opposite vertical edges of the member 34 (Fig. 6). It will be noted that the undersurface of the horizontal portion of the terminal 34 overlies and communicates with the hollow horizontal portion 13.

A second terminal indicated generally at 38 is positioned between the blocks 10, 10a with the opposite sides thereof received within the registering grooves 22, 22a and 23, 23a. It will be noted that the inclined grooves 22, 22a are of greater thickness than the vertical grooves 23, 23a and that the terminal 38 is provided with an enlargement 39 which fits snugly within the inclined grooves 22, 22a. It will also be noted that the terminal 38 includes the horizontal portion 40 which rests on the protrusion 26 directly below the horizontal portion of the terminal 34 and that the terminal 38 extends downwardly through the bottom of the block in a perforated portion 41 similarly adapted to be connected to a conductor, not shown.

A terminal indicated generally at 42 is positioned intermediate the blocks 10, 10a and includes a vertical portion 43 which is received intermediate the cooperating grooves 17, 17a and an inwardly and downwardly inclined portion 44 which is received intermediate the cooperating grooves 18, 18a. The terminal 42 continues downwardly through the bottom of the blocks 10, 10a in a depending perforated portion 45 adapted to be connected to a conductor, not shown. The upper end of the vertical portion 43 of the terminal is formed with a downwardly inclined portion 46 which passes over the protrusion 19, resting upon the downwardly inclined portion 16, and which terminates in a vertical, upwardly extending portion 47 which rests on the upwardly inclined portion 14 and abuts the undersurface of the horizontal hollow portion (Fig. 2). The inclined portion 46 is also formed with an upwardly bent overtravel stop 46a. The vertical portion 47 is provided with a transverse slot 48 of slight curvature for a purpose which will hereinafter become clear. It will be noted (Fig. 5) that the inclined portion 46 of the terminal is tapered, as at 49, to provide thevertical portion 47 of less width than the terminal proper, also for a purpose which will hereinafter become clear.

An operating spring strip indicated generally at 50 (Fig. 5) is provided and is formed from an elongated rectangular strip 51 of beryllium copper or other suitable material, the strip 51 at opposite ends being provided with the openings 52 and 53. Contacts 54 and 55 are disposed on opposite sides of the opening 53, the contacts 54 and 55 being integral with each other and having a central connecting shank 56 disposed within the opening 53. It will be noted that the contacts 54 and 55 are of greater diameter than opening 53 whereby to rmly position the same upon the strip 51.

A tongue-shaped element 57 is formed in the strip 51 by shearing a U-shaped cut 5S, the `cut 58 terminating in the circular openings 59 and 60. It will be noted that the tongue 57 at the end remote from the openings 59, 60 is formed with an extension 61 of less width than the tongue 57 and freely spaced on three sides thereof from the cut 58 for a purpose which will hereinafter become clear.

The strip 51 intermediate the cut 58 and opening 52 is provided with an elongated rectangular cut out 62 having a conical extension 63.

As shown in Fig. 2, one end of the strip 51 is secured to the outside of the vertical portion 43 of terminal 42 by means of a rivet 64 passing through the opening 52 and piercing the vertical portion 43. The strip is received within the cooperating grooves 17, 17a, extending upwardly and being bent into the horizontal hollow portions 15 and 13 with the vertical portion 47 of terminal 42 passing upwardly through the space intermediate the cut 58 and extension 61. It willbe noted that the free end of the extension 61 is positioned within the slot 48 of slight curvature whereby to flex the tongue 57 upwardly and to further maintain the contact 54 normally in engagement with the horizontal portion of the terminal 34. It will also be noted (Fig. 7) that the radius of slot 48 is so proportioned that only the upper edge of the end of eXtension 61 touches the same, providing the desired sensitive, friction-free pivoting movement. This is the normal position of the spring strip 51 and serves to close the terminals 42 and 34, as will be obvious.

A cylindrical plunger 65 is slidably disposed within the bores 28, 31, the plunger 65 being integrally formed at its upper end with a bullet shaped head 66 extending upwardly beyond hub 27 while at its lower end is integrally formed with a bullet shaped portion 67 which rests on strip 51 intermediate the cutout 62 and the cut 5S (Fig. 3). The plunger 65 at the central portion thereof is integrally formed with a cylindrical enlargement 68 slidably disposed within the enlarged bore 29 and formed with an upper conical shoulder 69 adapted to abut the conical bore 30 whereby to limit the upward movement of the plunger 65 in an obvious manner.

An L-shaped lever `bar 7l fits downwardly within the L-shaped opening 33 and is formed with a stop 7-2 which engages the shoulder 73 therein whereby to retain the lever in operative engagement with the head 66 over which it passes.

Upon downward movement of the lever 71 to the position of Fig. 3, the nose 67 of plunger 65 will depress the strip 51 below the fulcrum or anchorage point of the tongue 57 upon the vertical portion 47, which action will cause the spring strip 51 to snap into the position of Fig. 3 and to bring the contact 55 into abutment with the horizontal portion 40 of the terminal 38, whereby to open the terminals 34 and 4Z and to close the terminals 38 and 42. It will also be noted that the downward movement of the plunger is limited by the overtravel stop 46a. Upon releasing the lever 71, the strip 51 will snap back into its original position. The strip 51 will move back to its original position under its own tension and, as it passes the fulcrum point of the tongue 57, the latter will snap the contact 54 into engagement with the horizontal portion of terminal 34. The switch is thus ready for a further operation.

It will be noted that the tongue shaped member 57 is formed integrally with the strip 51 by shearing and is of such length relative to the distance between the openings 59, and the opening 52 so as to assume the tensioned, curved configuration of Fig. 2, further serving to hold the contact 54 in abutment with the horizontal portion of terminal 34 in addition to the normal tension of the strip 51 (when the plunger 65 is in the inoperative position of Fig. 2). Under this arrangement, the downward movement of the plunger and consequently the downward movement of the strip 51 actuated thereby a small distance below the fulcrum or anchorage point of the tongue shaped member 57 within slot 43 will Cause the contact 55 to come into abutment with the terminal 38 with a snap action alected by the tension of the tongue-shaped member 57. The release of the plunger 65 permits the return of the spring strip 51 under the action of its own tension, whereupon the tongue shaped member 57 again causes the spring strip 51 to engage the contact 54 with the horizontal portion of terminal 54 with a snap action following the movement of the strip 51 upwardly beyond the fulcrum point of the tongueshaped portion 57.

It will be noted that the mounting blocks 10 and 10a, the terminals 34, 38, 42, the spring strip 50 and the plunger 65 are maintained in assembled relation to each other by the ribbed pin 12 forced in registered openings provided in the mounting blocks.

The terminal 42 (Fig. 2) is provided with oppositely disposed grooves 74, 74a similar in purpose to the grooves 37, 37a provided in terminal 34 and within which are received projections, not shown, formed in the adjacent faces-of blocks andl 10a wherebyV to prevent" displacement of'the terminal 42y within its"respec`tive grooves; Thus, the mounting blocks 1G and 10a are provided with registering portions forming'channel shaped grooves into which the terminals 34, 38 and 42 are readily'located and held therein in proper adjustedrelation to each other and inrelation to the operable spring strip 50 by projections in the mounting blocks received within corresponding recesses provided in the terminals. With this construction, the'free end of the spring st'rip 50" extends intermediate the horizontal portions ofthe terminals 34 and 3S for successively engaging the contact' 54 with terminal 34 and contact 55v with terminal 38 upon the operation and release of the plunger 65.

Tests have shown that switches constructed in accordance with the'present inventiony arecapable of performing approximately twice asA many positive switching operations as those' performed by conventional snap switches. It will be further noted that'the invention is considerably cheaper to manufacture due to the simplicity of its operating parts, the simplicity of the required manufacturing tools and the facility of their assembly.

It will be further noted that by providing the cornplementary mounting blocks 10 and 10a, these blocks when in assembled relationship provide a guide for the plunger and locating portions for the terminals, such complementary mounting blocks making possible the ready and easy assembly of the terminals in positive adjusted relation to each other and in relation to the operable spring blade. l the depending, apertured portions of the three terminals in the manner shown that conductors may be easily and readily connected thereto, thus eliminating the use of machine screw terminals of a more expensive nature.

It will be further noted that by shearing the tongueshaped portion 57 integrally with the strip 51, the full amount of material forming the width of the blade is thereby retained, resulting in a stronger spring strip having a maximum number of positive switching operations and characterized by greater contact pressure, quicker snap actions and reduced arcing.

It will be further notedy that only the upper edge of the endV of extension 61 contacts the curved recess 48 due to the slight curvature of the latter, providing the desired sensitive, friction-free pivoting movement.

It will be further noted thatl the present construction permits the mounting of the spring strip on the terminal support by the use of intertitting portions and at a point which provides the maximum` flexing length to the strip sok as to avoid breakage. This avoids the disadvantage of` prior art switches wherein the distances between the mounting point of the spring blade to the end of the tongue-shaped portion" and to the contacts are too short, which causes deformation of the spring strip and tongue when flexed, causing improper operation of the switch and inducing breakage.

As shown in Fig. 4, the provision of the conical cutout 63, permits the strip 51 to-be llexed uniformly, (the area ofthe strip being bent decreases away'from the actual bend) thus preventing the concentration of stress at a single point and contributing to the long life of the switch. Thus, as the strip is bent around the protrusion 19, a uniform bending force only will be required.

The provision of the projections formed in the mounting blocks and being received within corresponding grooves provided in the terminals for securely holding the latter against relative movement in their locating, channel shaped grooves makes the switch shockproof against shocks incidentally imparted to the terminals, for example, when handling or soldering the conductors to the terminals for actual use.

While various changes may be made in the detail construction, it shall be understood that such changes shall be within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

It will also be noted that by providing We'claiin:

l. switch comprising positioningmeans of non-conductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning means being adapted to mount said terminal members inlongitudinallyspaced relationship to each other with one end ofe'achl of said terminal members extending outwardly of said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a vlongitudinal inwardly extending portion on one ofthe endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly extending portion on' the intermediatefone of Vsaid' terminal membersextending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardly extending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinall hollow portion communicating at one end with said inwardly and outwardly extendingportionsk and at the other end with theother offtheendmost of said terminal members, an elongatedat spring member of conductive material withinsaid hollow portion, meansfor lixedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adaptedto alternately contact the said' inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said spring member being'adapted to maintain one ofV said contacts in contact withy said inwardly extending portion and'adapted to snap the other of said contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion upon movement of said* springv member, andv externally operable means for'moving said spring member whereby to snap the said other of the contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion.

2. A switch comprising positioning means of nonconductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning means being adapted to mount saidterminal` members in longitudinally spaced relationship to each other with'one end of each of said terminal membersl extending outwardly of said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a longitudinal inwardly extending portion on one of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly extending portion' on the intermediate one of said terminal members extending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardly extending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion communicating at one end with saidy inwardly andv outwardly extending portions and at the other end with the otherV of the endmost of said terminal members, an elongated dat spring member of conductive material within said hollow portion means' for iixedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and youtwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and outwardly extending portions,A said spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted tosnap the other of said Contact into engagement with said outwardly extending portion upon movement of said4 spring member, and externally operable means for moving said spring member whereby to snap the said other of the contacts into engagement with` said.` outwardly extending portion, the said other of the endmost terminal members including a rst lateral portion formed at one endwith an inwardly bent portion inclined away from said externally operable means and received within said hollow portion andl ter` minating in a second lateral portion of decreased width' extending across said hollow portion, said spring member comprising an elongated rectangular strip extending 1ongitudinally across said inclined portion and extending intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extendingportions, said strip having a substantially U-shaped cut extending along the free portion thereof and formingl a. tongue-like member, said tongue-like member being of less length than said U-shaped cut and providing a space receiving said second lateral portion therethrough,y said secondlateralv portion having a transverse slot receiving the end of said tongue-like member therewitbin when the latter is arched toward said inwardly extending portion, said slot being located on the other side of said spring member when said one of the contacts is in engagement with said inwardly extending portion.

3. A switch comprising positioning means of nonconductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning means being adapted to mount said terminal members in longitudinally spaced relationship to each other with one end of each of said terminal members extending outwardly of said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a longitudinal inwardly extending portion on one of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly extending portion on the intermediate one of said terminal members extending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardly extending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion communicating at one end with said inwardly and outwardly extending portions and at the other end with the other of the endmost of said terminal members, an elongated flat spring member of conductive material within said hollow portion, means for ixedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and outwardly extending portion, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted to snap the other of said contact into engagement with said outwardly extending portion upon movement of said spring member, and externally operable means for moving said spring member whereby to snap the said other of the contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion, the said other of the endmost terminal members including a first lateral portion formed at one end with an inwardly bent portion inclined away from said externally operable means and received within said hollow portion and terminating in a second lateral portion of decreased width extending across said hollow portion, said spring member comprising an elongated rectangular strip extending longitudinally across said inclined portion and extending intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said strip having a substantially U-shaped cut extending along the free portion thereof and forming a tongue-like member, said tongue-like member being of less length than said U-shaped cut and providing a space receiving said second lateral portion therethrough, said second lateral portion having a transverse slot receiving the end of said tongue-like member therewitbin when the latter is arched toward said inwardly extending portion, said slot being located on the other side of said spring member when said one of the contacts is in engagement with said inwardly extending portion, said spring member intermediate the fixed end thereof and said U-shaped cut having a cutout, the width of said cutout increasing away from the fixed end of said spring member'whereby to prevent the concentration of stress on said spring member when exed across said inclined portion, said externally operable means being adapted to engage said spring member intermediate the inner end of said cutout and said U-shaped cut.

4. A switch comprising positioning means of non-conductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning means being adapted to mount said terminal members in longitudinally spaced relationship to each other with one end of each of said terminal members extending outwardly of said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a longitudinal inwardly extending portion on one of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly extending portion on the intermediate one of said terminal members extending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardly extending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion communieating at one end with said inwardly `and outwardly extending portions and at the other end with the other of the endmost of said terminal members, an elongated ilat spring member Vof conductive material within said hollow portion, means for iixedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted to snap the other of said contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion upon movement of said spring member, and externally operable means for moving said spring member whereby to snap the said other of the contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion, the said other of the endmost terminal members including a first lateral portion formed at one end with an inwardly bent portion inclined away from said externally operable means and received within said hollow portion and terminating in a second lateral portion of decreased width extending across said hollow portion, said spring member comprising an elongated rectangular strip extending longitudinally across said inclined portion and extending intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said strip having a substantially U- shaped cut extending along the free portion thereof and forming a tongue-like member, said tongue-like member being of less length than said U-shaped cut and providing a space receiving said second lateral portion therethrough, said second lateral portion having a transverse slot receiving the end of said tongue-like member therewitbin when the latter is arched toward said inwardly extending portion, said slot being located on the other side of said spring member when said one of the contacts is in engagement with said inwardly extending portion, said spring member intermediate the fixed end thereof and said U-shaped cut having a cutout, the width of said cutout increasing away `from the fixed end of said spring member whereby to prevent the concentration of stress on said spring member when exed across said inclined portion, said externally operable means being adapted to engage said spring member intermediate the inner end of said cutout and said U-shaped cut, said U-shaped cut being sheared in said spring member whereby to retain the maximum amount of material forming the width of said spring member.

5. A switch comprising positioning means of non-conductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning means being adapted to mount said terminal members in longitudinally spaced relationship to each other with one end of each of said terminal members extending outwardly of said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a longitudinal inwardly extending portion on one of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly extending portion on the ntermediate one of said terminal members extending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardly extending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion communicating at one end with said inwardly and outwardly extending portions and at the other end with the other of the endmost of said terminal members, an elongated flat spring member of conductive material within said hollow portion, means for ixedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted to snap the other of said contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending poralarmas-1 tion upon movement of saidy springmember, andA externally operable means for moving saidspring .member whereby to snap the said other of the'contacts'into engagement with said outwardly extending portion, the said other of the endmost terminal members including a first lateral portion formed at one end with an inwardly` bent por,- tion inclined away from said externally operable means and received within said hollow portion and terminating ina second lateral portion of decreased width extending across said hollow portion, said spring member comprising an elongated rectangular strip extending longitudinally across said inclined portionv andv extending intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said strip having a substantially U-shaped cut extending along the free portion thereof and forming a tongue-like member, said tongue-like member being of less lengththan said U-shapedl cut andproviding aspace receiving said second lateral portion therethrough, said second lateralfportionv having a transverse slot receiving the end of said tonguelike member therewithin when the latter isl arched toward said inwardly extending portion, said slot being located `on the other side ofrsaid= spring member when said one of the contacts is in engagement with said inwardly extending portion, said springmember intermediate the fixed end thereof and` said U-shaped cut having a cutout, the width of said cutout increasing away from the iixed end of said spring member whereby to prevent the-concentration of stress on said spring memberl when iiexed acros said inclined portion, said externally operable means being adapted to engage said spring member intermediate the inner end of said cutout andsaid U-shaped cut, said U-shaped cut being sheared-in saidspring member whereby to retain the maximum amount of material forming the width of said spring member,A said mounting means comprising a pair of complementary blocks adapted to fit together to form' a unitary block'means for securing said blocks in assembled relationshipsaid blocks on the adjacent inner facesl thereof beingprovidedv with registering grooves receiving opposite sidesof said terminals.

6'. A switch comprising positioningl means of nonconductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning meansl beingL adapted to mount said terminal members in. longitudinally spaced relationship to each other with one end of `each of said terminal members extending outwardly of saidmounting means for connection to a conductor, alongitudinal in= wardly extending portion on one'of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly. extending portion on the intermediate one of said terminalmembers extending substantially parallel andi in freely spaced relationshipt'o said inwardly extending portion,` said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion communicating at one end with said inwardly and outwardly extending portions and at the other end with the other'of the endmost' of said terminal members, an elongated iiat spring member of conductive material within'said hollow portion, means for iixedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly `and outwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and outwardly extending portions saidl spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted to snap the other of said contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion upon movement of said spring member, and externally operable means for moving said spring member whereby torsnap the said other of the contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion, they said other of the endmost terminal members including a first lateral portion formed at one end with aninwardly bent portion inclined away from said externally operable means and receiving within saidhollowl portion and terminatingin a second lateral portion of decreasedlwidth extending across said hollow portion',r said spring/member comprising an-elongatedrectangular strip extending longitudinallyk across said inclined portion and extending intermediate said`inwardly and outwardly extending portions, Saidy stripy having a substantially U-shaped cut extending along the freefportion thereof and forming a tongue-like member, said tongue-like member being of less length thanv said U-shaped cut and providing a spaceI receiving said second lateral portion therethrough, said second lateral portion having a transverse slot receiving the end of said tongue-like member therewithin when the latter is arched toward said inwardly extending portion, said slot being located on the other side of said springmember when said one of the contacts is in engagement with said inwardly extending portion, said spring member intermediate the fixed end thereof and said U-shaped cut having a cutout, the width of said cutout increasing away from the lixed end of said spring member whereby to prevent the concentration of stress on said spring member f when exed across said inclined portion, said externally operable means being adapted to engage said spring member intermediate the inner end of said cutout and said U-shaped cut, said U-shaped cut being sheared in said spring member whereby to retain the maximum amount of material forming the width of said spring member, said mounting means comprising a pair of complementary blocks adapted to fit together to form a unitary block, means for securing said blocks in assembled relationship, saidblocks on the adjacent inner faces thereof being provided with registering grooves receiving opposite sides of said terminals, said means for securing said blocks together comprising laterally aligned openings provided in saidy blocks and a ribbed pin within said laterallyk aligned openings securing said blocks in assembled relationship'.

7. A switch comprising positioning means of nonconductive material, three terminal membersy of conductive material, said positioning means being adapted to mount said terminal members in longitudinally spaced relationship to each other with one endv of each of said terminal members extending outwardly of said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a longitudinal inwardly extending portion on one of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly extending portion on the intermediate one of said terminal members extending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardlyextending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion communicating at one end with said inwardly and outwardly extending portions-and at the other end with the other of the endmost of said terminal members, an elongated flat springv member of conductive material within said hollow portion, means for iixedly mountingthe end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted to snap theV other ofk said contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portionupon movement of said spring member, and externally operable means for moving said'spring member whereby to snap the said other of the contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion, the said other of the endmost terminal members including a first lateral portion formed at one end with an inwardly bent portion inclined away from said externally operable means and received within said hollow portion and terminating in a second lateral portion of decreased width extending across said hollow portion, said spring member comprising an elongated rectangular strip extending longitudinally across said inclined portion and extending intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said strip having a substantially U-shaped cut extending along the freer portion thereof and forming a tongue-like' member, said tongue-like member being of less' length than said U-shaped cut and providing a space receiving said second lateral portion therethrough, said second lateral portion having a transverse slot receiving the end of said tongue-like member therewithin when the latter is arched toward said inwardly extending portion, said slot being located on the other side of said spring member when said one of the contacts is in engagement with said inwardly extending portion, said spring member intermediate the iixed end thereof and said U-shaped eut having a cutout, the width of said cutout increasing away from the xed end of said spring member whereby to prevent the concentration of stress on said spring member when flexed across said inclined portion, said externally operable means being adapted to engage said spring member intermediate the inner end of said cutout and said U-shaped cut, said U-shaped cut being sheared in said spring member whereby to retain the maximum amount of `material forming the width of said spring member, said mounting means comprising a pair of complementary blocks adapted to tit together to form a unitary block, means for securing said blocks in assembled relationship, said blocks on the adjacent inner faces thereof being provided with registering grooves receiving opposite sides of said terminals, said blocks on the adjacent inner faces thereof within said grooves being formed with projections, said terminals on opposite sides thereof being provided with laterally aligned recesses receiving said projectionstherewithin whereby to prevent relative displacement of said terminals within said grooves.

8. A switch comprising positioning means of nonconductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning means being adapted to mount said terminal members in longitudinally spaced relationship to each other with one end of each of said terminal members extending outwardly of said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a longitudinal inwardly extending portion on one of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly extending portion on the intermediate one of said terminal members extending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardly extending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion commum'cating at one end with said inwardly and outwardly extending portions and at the other end with the other of the endmost of said terminal members, an elongated at spring member of conductive material within said hollow portion, means for xedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and outwardly extending portions said spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted to snap the other of said contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion upon movement of said spring member, the said other of the endmost terminal members including a rst lateral portion formed at one end with an inwardly bent portion inclined away from said externally operable means and receiving within said hollow portion and terminating in a second lateral portion of decreased width extending across said hollow portion, said spring member comprising an elongated rectangular strip extending longitudinally across said inclined portion and extending intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said strip having a substantially U-shaped cut extending along the free portion thereof and forming a tongue-like member, said tongue-like member being of less length than said U-shaped cut and providing a space receiving said second lateral portion therethrough, said second lateral portion having a transverse slot receiving the end of said tongue-like member therewithin when the latter is arched toward said inwardly extending portion, said slot being located on the other side of said spring member 12 -when said oner of the contacts is'in engagement with said inwardly extending portion, said spring member intermediate the tixed end thereof and said U-shaped cut having a cutout, the width of said cutout increasing away 'from the fixed end of said springmember whereby to prevent the concentration of stress on said spring member when exed across said inclined portion, said U- shaped cut being sheared in said spring member whereby to retain the maximum amount of material forming the width of said spring member, said mounting means comprising a pair of complementary blocks adapted to t together to form a unitary block, means for securing said blocks in assembled relationship, said blocks on the adjacent inner faces thereof being provided with registering grooves receiving opposite sides of said terminals, said blocks on the adjacent inner faces thereof having registering, substantially semi-cylindrical bores connecting the outside of said blocks with said hollowv portion, the axes of said bores being disposed at substantially right angles to the longitudinal axis of said hollow portion, a substantially cylindrical plunger within said registering bores, the inner end of said plunger being adapted to rest on said spring member intermediate the inner end of said cutout and said U-shaped cut with the outer end thereof extending outwardly of said blocks, said bores having an enlarged central portion, said plunger having an enlarged central portion adapted to reciprocate within said enlarged central portion whereby to limit displacement of said plunger in an outward direction, said inwardly bent portion of said other of the endmost terminals having an upwardly projecting overtravel stop whereby to limit displacement of said plunger in an inward direction.

9. A switch comprising positioning means of non-conductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning means being adapted to mount said terminal members in longitudinally spaced relationship to each other with one end of each of said terminal members extending outwardly of said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a longitudinal inwardly extending portion on one of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly extending portion on the intermediate one of said terminla members extending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardly extending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion communicating at one end with said inwardly and outwardly extending portions and at the other end with the other of the endmost of said terminal members, an elongated flat spring member of conductive material within said hollow portion, means for xedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted to snap the other of said contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion upon movement of said spring member, the said other of the endmost terminal members including a first lateral portion formed at one end with an inwardly bent portion inclined away from said externally operable means and received within `said `hollow portion and terminating in a second lateral portion of decreasedwidth extending 'across said hollow portion, said spring member comprising an elongated rectangular strip extending longitudinally across said inclined portion and extending intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said strip having a substantially U-shaped cut extending along the free portion thereof and forming a tongue-like member, said tongue-like member being of less length than said U-shaped cut and providing a space receiving said second lateral portion therethrough, said second lateral portion having a transverse "genereer 13 slot receiving the end of said tongue-like member there'- withinv when the latter is arched toward said inwardly extendingv portion, said slot being' located! on the y'other side of said spring member when said one ofthe contacts is in engagement with said inwardly extending portion, said spring member intermediate the fixedy end( thereof and said U-shaped cut having a cutout, the width'of said cutout increasing away from the fixedendof said spring member whereby to yprevent the concentration of stress on said spring member when ilexed across said inclined portion, said vU-shaped cut being sheared in said spring member whereby to retain the maximum amount of material forming the width of said spring member, said mounting means comprising a pair of complementary blocks adapted to fit together to form a unitary block, means for securing said blocks in assembled relationship, said blocks on the adjacent inner faces thereof being provided with registering grooves receiving' opposite sides of said terminals, said blocks on the adjacent inner faces thereof having registering, substantially semi-cylindrical bores connecting the outside of said blocks with said hollow portion', the axes of said bores being disposed at substantially right angles to the longitudnial axis of said hollow portion, a substantially cylindrical plunger within saidreg'istering bores, the inner end of said plunger being adapted to rest on said spring member intermediate the inner end of said cutout and said U-shaped cut with the outer lend thereof extending outwardly of said blocks, said bores having an enlarged central portion, said plunger having an enlarged central portion adapted to reciprocate within said enlarged central portion whereby. to limit outward displacement of said plunger,y said inwardly bent portion of said other of the endmost terminals having an upwardly projecting overtravel stop whereby to limit displacement ofv saidplunger in an inward direction, an L-shaped lever member, the interior adjacent faces of said blocks having registering, substantially L-shaped openings extending inwardly therethrough substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said plunger, one end of said L-shaped leverage member being received within said registered openings and being formed with a retaining stop.

10. A switch comprising positioning means of nonconductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning means being adapted to mount said terminal members in longitudinally spaced relationship to each other with one end of each of said terminal members extending outwardly of said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a-longitudinal inwardly extending portion on one of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly extending portion on the intermediate one of said terminal members extending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardly extending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion communicating at one end with said inwardly and outwardly extending portions and at the other end with the other of the endmost of said terminal members, an elongated flat spring member of conductive material within said hollow portion, means for xedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted to snap the other of said contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion upon movement of said spring member, and externally operable means for moving said spring member whereby to snap the said other of the contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion, the said other of the endmost terminal members including a first lateral portion formed at one end with anV inwardly bent portion inclined away from said external-Iy'A operable; means and received Within` said hollow portion and terminating in a second lateral portion of decreased width extendingacr'oss said hollow portion, said spring member comprising an elongated rectangular vstrip extending longitudinally across said inclined portion and extending intermediate said inwardly andoutwardly extending portions, said strip having a substantially U-shaped cut extending along the free portionl thereof and forming a tongue-like member, said tongue-like member being of less length than said U-shaped cut and providing ay space receiving said second ylateral portion therethrough, said second lateral portion having a transverse slot-receivingthe' end of said tongue-like'fmember therewithin' when the latter is arched toward said inwardly extending portion, said slot being located' on the other side of said spring member when said onev of the contacts is in engagement with said inwardlyy extending portion, said hollow portion comprising a first portion intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extending portions and a vsecond portion ofset relative to said' rst portion, said second portion receiving saidin'clined portion ofl the other of said endmost terminals therewithin and being connected to said iirst portion by an inclined portion whereby to permit said tongue-like member to bc exed beyond the end of said second lateral portion.

11. A switch comprising positioning means of nonconductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning means beingv adapted to' mount said terminal membersin longitudinally spaced relationship to each other withkone end of each ofy said terminal members extending outwardly ofy said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a longitudinal inwardly extending portion on one of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly yextending portion on the' irtermed'i'ate'loneV of said terminal members' extending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardly extending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion communicating at one end with said inwardly and outwardly extending portions and at the other end with the other of the endmost of said terminal members, an elongated iiat spring member of conductive material within said hollow portion, means for xedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive material on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted to snap the other of said contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion upon movement of said spring member, and externally operable means for moving said spring member whereby to snap the sai-d other of the contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion, the said other of the endmost terminal members including a rst lateral portion formed at one end with an inwardly bent portion inclined away from said externally operable means and receiving within said hollow portion and terminating in a second lateral portion of decreased width extending across said hollow portion, said spring member comprising an elongated rectangular strip extending longitudinally across said inclined portion and extending intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said strip having a substantially U-shaped cut exextending along the free portion thereof and forming a tongue-like member, said tongue-like member being of less length than said U-shaped cut and providing a space receiving said second lateral portion therethrough, said second lateral portion having a transverse slot receiving the end of said tongue-like member therewithin when the latter is arched toward said inwardly extending portion, said slot being located on the other side of said spring member when said one of the contacts is in engagement with said inwardly extending portion, said hollow portion comprising a first portion intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extending portions and a second portion offset relative to said rst portion, said second portion receiving said inclined portion of the other of said endmost terminals therewithin and being connected to said first portion by an inclined portion whereby to permit said tongue-like member to be flexed beyond the end of said second lateral portion, said hollowportion receiving said inclined portion having an outwardly inclined portion supporting the inclined portion of said terminal, said blocks on the adjacent inner faces thereof being formed with registering, substantially semi-cylindrical projections received intermediate the first lateral and the inclined portions of saidother of the endmost terminals. v

12. A switch comprising positioning means of nonconductive material, three terminal members of conductive material, said positioning means being adapted to mount said terminal members in longitudinally spaced relationship to each other with one end of each of said terminal members extending outwardly of said mounting means for connection to a conductor, a longitudinal inwardly extending portion on one of the endmost of said terminals, a longitudinal, outwardly extending portion on the intermediate one of said terminal members extending substantially parallel and in freely spaced relationship to said inwardly extending portion, said mounting block means having a longitudinal hollow portion communicating at one end with said inwardly and outwardly extending portions and at` the other end with the other of the endmost of said terminal members, an elongated fiat spring member of conductive material within said hollow portion means for ixedly mounting the end of said spring member remote from said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, contacts of conductive ma- L5 terial on opposite faces of the free end of said spring member adapted to alternately contact the said inwardly and ,outwardly extending portions, said spring member being adapted to maintain one of said contacts in contact with said inwardly extending portion and adapted to snap the other of said contact into engagement with said outwardly extending portion upon movement of said spring member, and externally operable means for moving said spring member whereby to snap the said other of the contacts into engagement with said outwardly extending portion, the said other of the endmost terminal members including a first lateral portion formed at one end with an inwardly bent portion inclined away from said externally operable means and received within said hollow portion and terminating in a second lateral portion of decreased width extending across said hollow portion, said spring member comprising an elongated rectangular strip extending longitudinally across said inclined portion and extending intermediate said inwardly and outwardly extending portions, said strip having a substantially U- shaped cut extending along the free portion thereof and forming a tongue-like member, said tongue-like member being of less width than said U-shaped cut and providing a space receiving said second lateral portion therethrough, said'second lateral portion having a transverse slot receiving the end of said tongue-like member therewithin when the latter is arched toward said inwardly extending portion, said slot being located on the other side of said spring member when said one of the contacts is in engagement with said inwardly extending portion, said trans verse slot being of slight curvature and adapted to contact only the upper edge of the end of said tonguelike member whereby to provide a sensitive, friction-free pivoting movement.

No references cited. 

